University's leaves program set to change effective July 1

February 20, 2015

A new system-wide leaves program will take effect July 1, approved by the University after months of diligent work by the University Leaves Committee, chaired by Vic Lechtenberg, special assistant to the president.

"I'm proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the members of the committee to design a program of this magnitude," Lechtenberg said. "The constructive approach and dedication with which the committee went about this process was the driving force in creating this simplified, easier-to-understand plan for our faculty and staff."

As part of the new program, the University will introduce Paid Time Off (PTO) as a new leave type, enhance bereavement leave and paid parental leave, add a short-term disability plan and align the wait time for long-term disability benefits to 90 days for all employees.

Purdue's PTO plan will combine several current leaves types -- vacation, personal business days, personal holiday and sick leave benefits -- into one leave category. No changes are being made to business leaves (such as sabbatical), military leave or jury duty.

"The PTO design is easier to communicate, understand and administer than our current multiple and varied leaves and leave policies," said Trent Klingerman, interim vice president for human resources. "It will also provide employees with more flexibility and less confusion over how to use leave to their advantage."

PTO will be implemented for current employees in July with an allotment of days for the coming year based on employee group and years of service. Special efforts have been made to preserve accumulated vacation and sick leave benefits for current employees, who will retain the ability to use existing vacation and sick leave balances in addition to the new PTO that will be allotted to them annually.

The changes to the current programs are significant, and it is essential that employees and managers fully understand them. Resources are available to help faculty and staff learn about the new plans before they take effect.

A dedicated Web page containing detailed information is available now and will continue to develop over the next several days. From the website, employees can view:

* A video-recorded presentation about the changes.

* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

* A schedule of open employee information sessions that will begin in March.

Human Resources will continue to provide updated information via the Web page, Purdue Today articles and other communication avenues. Specific questions or feedback can be addressed via email to timeoff@purdue.edu or by calling Human Resources-Benefits at 49-42222. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the variety of resources available as transition into the new leaves program approaches.

Questions may be directed to the appropriate regional Human Resources office: